Donald Trump Campaign Office Opening Descends Into Fist Fight

A fight broke out at an office opening event for Donald Trump's presidential election campaign in Georgia last week after a conservative activist confronted a Republican state lawmaker, according to a police report.

State Representative John LaHood said he was confronted by activist Sam Carnline about election-related matters after speaking at the event in Valdosta, according to the The Atlanta Journal-Constitution (AJC).

Carnline is reported to have been wearing a t-shirt advocating for paper ballots over the current voting system for the presidential election in November. It comes after Trump lost the state by less than 12,000 votes in 2020.

LaHood told the AJC that he had a "passionate discussion" with Carnline, but decided to leave the event after his wife approached them.

Georgia State Representative John LaHood speaking in the Capitol in Atlanta in March. LaHood was involved in a confrontation at an office opening event for Donald Trump's campaign in Georgia last week. Georgia State Representative John LaHood speaking in the Capitol in Atlanta in March. LaHood was involved in a confrontation at an office opening event for Donald Trump's campaign in Georgia last week. Arvin Temkar/Atlanta Journal-Constitution/AP

The conversation is then believed to have become increasingly heated. Brandon Phillips, a Republican operative and aide, is reported to have intervened and allegedly spat on Carnline.

"Brandon Phillips got in the middle of the conversation because he didn't like the questions he was asking," the police wrote of Carnline, according to the AJC. "Words were exchanged between he and Brandon, because he was upset that Brandon spit in his face."

The officer added: "I informed Brandon that he instigated the incident by spitting on Carnline... Both parties agreed to separate and go their separate ways with no further law enforcement action needed."

Phillips has denied spitting in Carnline's face and claimed that Carnline pushed him to the ground.

Meanwhile, Carnline has claimed that Phillips insulted his family. "I probably pointed at him and told him to get away from me. He immediately spit in my face. And at that point, I pushed him and shoved him as hard as I could," Carnline said.

"He jumped back up. I cocked my fist back and was intending to hit him, but I might have just glanced his shoulder."

LaHood and several other attendees said they saw Carnline punch Phillips at least twice.

The event was reportedly otherwise peaceful and well attended. User @WylieShaw wrote on X (formerly Twitter) that an "incredible crowd" showed up to the office opening, and posted images showing dozens of attendees.

Valdosta, GA is Trump Country! This incredible crowd showed up on a Monday night to learn how they can get involved and help President Trump’s campaign. Thank you to Congressman @AustinScott4GA, Commissioner @TylerHarperGA, and the rest of our speaker lineup.

🇺🇸#TrumpForce47 pic.twitter.com/1m02Uke0DU — Wylie Shaw (@WylieShaw) July 29, 2024

Phillips, a veteran Republican operative who currently works as an aide for Georgia Representative Mike Collins, has a history of criminal violence.

In 2022, Phillips was arrested on charges of animal cruelty to a dog, and in 2016 he resigned as Trump's Georgia state director after local television station WSB-TV reported that in 2008, he was convicted for battery and trespass in an incident involving two other people.